Process for producing textile articles and textile articles obtained therefrom

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a white fabric with increased opacity as obtainable a process comprising the step of: a) providing at least a fabric; b) treating at least part of said fabric with an aqueous composition comprising titanium dioxide and at least a cross-linkable binder; and c) heating the fabric obtained in step b).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of textiles, in particular to a process for producing treated textile articles and to textiles articles obtained through the process. The process of the invention increases opacity of textile articles. The present invention also relates to compositions that are suitable to impart opacity to textiles to which they are applied, and that are suitable to be used in the mentioned process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

White garments and apparels are appreciated by consumers and highly requested on the market.

However, white garments and apparels have some drawbacks.

For example, white garments generally reveal the colour of the skin and/or the colour and the shape of the underwear of the user when the garments are worn.

To overcome this drawback, heavy fibres or yarns, and/or tight weavings of the yarns can be used to obtain substantially opaque, non-transparent fabrics and garments. However, this solution allows for the production of a very limited variety of garments and clothing article, i.e., garments having, for example, a weight range below which the problem appears again.

Generally, titanium dioxide is provided to fabrics to impart anti-UV, antibacterial and self-cleaning properties. It is also known to apply titanium dioxide or a composition containing TiO₂ to fabrics to obtain opaque white garments.

KR910006104(B1) discloses a process for the preparation of an opaque fibre textile. A fabric which is composed of polyester filament yarns is impregnated with a solution composed of titanium dioxide 4-7% and dispersing agent 0.1-0.5% by weight of treated fabric. Titanium dioxide has particle diameter 0.1-0.4 μm. The solution is applied by impregnation for 20-30 minutes, and fixed to the fabric. The treated fabric is then coated with a transparent resin, where the main component is diisocyanate.

However, the process disclosed in KR910006104(B1) requires two separate steps, i.e., a step of impregnation of the fabric with the titanium dioxide, and a second step of coating with resin. Therefore, the process disclosed in KR910006104(B1) is a complex manufacturing process which, additionally, requires long working time. Moreover, the resin coating, which covers the titanium dioxide, may provide an unpleasant aesthetical appearance to the fabric, and thus to the garments comprising it.

GB2051163 discloses a method of preparing an opaque fabric by increasing its covering power with TiO₂.

Also, opaque white fabrics known in the art generally start to undergo a progressive reduction of their whiteness grade after a few home washings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aim of the present invention to solve the above mentioned problems and to provide a process for increasing opacity of fabrics, especially of white or light coloured fabrics.

Still another aim of the present invention is to provide a process which allows to increase the whiteness of fabrics.

A further aim of the present invention is to provide a fabric which is white or has a light colour and substantially hides the skin and body of the user, or hides the colour and shape of his underwear, when a garment including said fabric is worn by the user.

These and other aims are achieved by the process according to claim 1, which is, thus, an object of the present invention.

Another object of the present invention is a fabric according to claim 17. Still further objects of the present invention are a garment according to claim 23, comprising the said treated fabric, an aqueous composition according to claim 24, and the use of said composition in the process of the invention, according to claim 26.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are photographs showing a sample fabric before (FIG. 1A) and after (FIG. 1B) the process of the invention.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are magnified photos at 10X that show a sample fabric before (FIG. 2A) and after (FIG. 2B) the process of the invention.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are photographs taken at magnification of 60X that show a sample fabric before (FIG. 3A) and after (FIG. 3B) the process of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the features of the invention will be described with reference to exemplary embodiments; however, any feature of the invention disclosed herein, may be combined with one or more other features here disclosed to provide further embodiments of the present invention. Such embodiments shall be considered as disclosed by the present application.

As above mentioned, an object of the present invention is a process for producing a treated fabric, comprising the step of:

a) providing at least a fabric, b) treating at least part of the fabric with an aqueous composition comprising titanium dioxide and at least a binder, preferably a crosslinkable binder, and c) heating the fabric obtained in step b).

Advantageously, the process of the invention allows for the production of textiles that are suitable to be used in the production of white garments, for example light weight white garments. In fact, it has been surprisingly observed that, through the process of the invention, opacity of fabrics can be increased, whilst maintaining the textiles white, soft and stylish. In other words, it has been observed that, through the process of the invention, the transparency of a fabric can be reduced, so that the skin and the underwear of the user can no longer be seen “through” a white fabric apparel, when a garment comprising the invention fabric is worn. Transparency is here used to identify the fact that medium-light white fabrics are not opaque enough to prevent the colours and shape of skin/underware to be revealed. In other words, the said fabrics have a low covering power. In particular, it has been observed that the titanium dioxide of the composition adheres to yarns and fibers of the fabric. Additionally, it has been observed that, when a fabric is treated according to the process of the invention, titanium dioxide is also located between at least part of the yarns of the fabric, e.g., between the weft and warp yarns of a woven fabric, thus providing for a reduction of transparency, with respect to the untreated fabric. For example, in a fabric obtainable according to the invention, titanium dioxide and the binder are also located in the spaces defined by two adjacent warp yarns and two adjacent weft yarns that float over or under said warp yarns.

Also, advantageously, the process of the invention allows to increase the whiteness and the covering power of fabrics, with respect to untreated fabrics.

According to embodiments, fabrics suitable to be used according to the present invention are preferably not dyed.

According to the process of the invention, an aqueous composition comprising titanium dioxide and at least a binder, preferably a crosslinkable binder, is provided to at least part of a fabric. In embodiments, the binder is a compound, e.g. a polymer, suitable to bind the particles of titanium dioxide to the fabric and to its fibers.

The aqueous composition may be applied to the fabric according to techniques that are known per se in the art. For example, according to embodiments, the composition may be provided to the fabric by impregnation, e.g., by immersion of the fabric in a bath containing the composition. According to embodiments, the composition is provided to the fabric by padding.

Subsequently, the fabric provided with the aqueous composition is heated. According to embodiments, step c) comprises a step of heating the fabric at a first temperature to dry it, and then of heating the fabric at a second temperature suitable to cure the binder polymer on the fabric, i.e. to cross-link it, wherein the second temperature may be higher than the first temperature.

Advantageously, the process of the invention can be carried out, according to embodiments, as a continuous process. For example, the process of the invention can be carried out as a padding process. Padding is a technique that is per se known in the art in the field of textiles. In general, padding process comprises a step of impregnating the fabric with an aqueous composition; the impregnated fabric is passed between at least two rollers, so that the impregnated fabric is pressed by the two rollers, and exceeding composition is removed. Subsequently, the fabric may be dried and optionally cured.

For example, a fabric may be impregnated with the aqueous composition by padding, preferably at a temperature in the range of from 10° C. to 50° C., preferably from 20° C. to 30° C. The pH of the aqueous composition is, preferably, in the range from 4 to 6, more preferably from 4.5 to 5.5. Subsequently, the fabric impregnated with the aqueous composition may be dried and possibly cured, so that the binder polymer may be cross-linked. According to an aspect, the process of the invention allows to obtain a fabric wherein the titanium dioxide adheres to yarns and fibers of the fabric. In particular, it has been observed that the process of the invention provides for a fabric wherein titanium dioxide and the binder are placed between the yarns of the fabric, e.g. at the cross-points between the weft and warp yarns of a woven fabric, thus providing increased covering power and a reduction of transparency, with respect to the untreated fabric. For example, in a fabric obtainable according to the invention, titanium dioxide and the binder are also located in the spaces defined by two adjacent warp yarns and two adjacent weft yarns that float over or under said warp yarns, thus providing for a reduction of transparency, with respect to the untreated fabric. According to embodiments, the fabric provided in step a) of the process of the invention is stretched in at least one direction (e.g., at least in weft direction or at least in warp direction), so that the fabric is stretched during the treatment with the aqueous composition according to step b) of the process of the invention, and preferably also during heating step c). For example, the fabric may be stretched during padding, heating, and curing step.

It has been observed that when the fabric provided in step a) of the process of the invention is stretched, it is stretched during the treatment with the aqueous composition and preferably also during heating and curing steps, the space between the yarns (e.g., between the warp yarns and/or the weft yarns) increases, so that the composition can be provided between the yarns of the fabric in a particularly effective way. It has been observed that, when the fabric is stretched during the process of the invention, a greater amount of titanium dioxide and binder can be provided between the yarns of the fabric, with respect to the same fabric when it is not stretched during treatment.

According to embodiments, the fabric provided in step a) of the process of the invention is stretched between 0.5% and 75%, preferably between 0,5% and 60%, more preferably between 0.5% and 50%, with respect to the initial dimension of the fabric, in at least one direction (e.g., at least in weft direction) so that the fabric is stretched during the treatment with the aqueous composition according to step b) of the process of the invention, and preferably also during heating step c).

When, for example, the fabric have high elongation at break, such as, e.g., fabrics made from or including elastomeric yarns or fibers, the fabric may be stretched, according to embodiments, between 1% and 75%, preferably between 5% and 60%, more preferably between 10% and 50%, with respect to the initial dimension of the fabric. According to embodiments, the fabric may be stretched at least in weft direction.

When, for example, the fabric have low elongation at break, such as, e.g., fabrics essentially made of natural yarns or fibers, according to embodiments, the fabric may be stretched between 0.5% and 5%, preferably between 0,75% and 5%, more preferably between 1% and 5%, with respect to the initial dimension (e.g., width) of the fabric. According to embodiments, the fabric may be stretched at least in weft direction.

Advantageously, the drying and curing of the fabric provided with the composition, allows to obtain a particularly effective and durable binding of the titanium dioxide to the fabric. This is particularly true when the binder is a crosslinkable binder.

According to embodiments, the crosslinkable binder may be a self-crosslinkable binder. According to embodiments, the crosslinkable binder may be a compound that can be crosslinked using one or more crosslinking agents. Suitable crosslinking agents may be, for example, crosslinking agents including two or more double bonds.

For example, suitable self-crosslinkable binders may be selected from acrylic polymers, acrylic copolymers and acrylic derivatives; for example, suitable binders that can be crosslinked using a crosslinking agent are polyurethanes, which can be crosslinked using, for example, isocyanate.

According to embodiments, when the binder is a crosslinkable binder, a particularly strong binding of the titanium dioxide to the fabric may be obtained.

According to embodiments, the binder, preferably the crosslinkable binder, may have a glass transition temperature (Tg) in the range from −30° C. to 0° C., preferably from −25° C. to −5° C., more preferably from −20° C. to −8° C. Advantageously, when the binder, particularly if cross-linkable has glass transition temperature in the above mentioned ranges, a particularly soft treated fabric may be obtained.

Glass transition temperature (Tg) can be measured according to ASTM E1356.

According to embodiments, the binder may have a Shore A hardness that is ≤30° Shore A, preferably in the range from 5° Shore A to 25° Shore A, more preferably in the range from 10° Shore A to 20° Shore A.

Shore A hardness can be measured according to ASTM D2240.

Binders that are suitable to be used according to the present invention have having glass transition temperature (Tg) and/or hardness in the above mentioned ranges.

As above mentioned, when the binder has glass transition temperature (Tg) and/or Shore A hardness in the above mentioned ranges, it is possible to include titanium dioxide in the binder to obtain a particularly soft and opaque fabric. In particular, it is possible to improve opacity of the fabric without jeopardizing the fabric hand feel.

According to embodiments, the binder may be selected from the group consisting of acrylic polymers, acrylic copolymers and acrylic derivatives, such as vinyl acrylate, styrene acrylate, butadiene acrylonitrile, carboxylated butadiene acrylonitrile; resins; polyurethanes and derivatives thereof, such as polyether polyurethane, polyester polyurethane, polycarbonate polyurethane, polyester polyether polyurethane, polyether polycarbonate polyurethane, polyester polycarbonate polyurethane; blocked isocyanates; poly-isocyanates; and mixtures thereof. According to preferred embodiments, the binder may be selected from the group consisting of butadiene acrylic copolymer, styrene acrylic copolymer, vinyl acrylate, styrene acrylate, butadiene acrylonitrile, carboxylated butadiene acrylonitrile, polyether polyurethane, polyester polyurethane, polycarbonate polyurethane, polyester polyether polyurethane, polyether polycarbonate polyurethane, polyester polycarbonate polyurethane, and mixtures thereof.

For example, the currently commercially available product “ORGAL® ES 61” (Organik kimya), and the commercially available product “HELIZARIN BINDER TOW” (Archroma), are suitable to be used in the composition, according to the invention as a binder.

For example, the currently commercially available product EDOLAN SN (Tanatex Chemicals), which is an aliphatic polyether based polyurethane, is suitable to be used in the composition of the invention, in combination with a crosslinking agent.

As above mentioned, suitable crosslinking agents may be, for example, crosslinking agents including two or more double bonds. For example, the current commercially available product EDOLAN XCIB (Tanatex Chemicals) is suitable to be used as crosslinking agent when EDOLAN SN is used. Advantageously, the binder contributes to the adhesion of titanium dioxide to the fabric.

Advantageously, the present invention allows for the production of a treated fabric which can withstand several home washes. In other words, the present invention allows for the production of a treated fabric which can be home washed several times, while maintaining substantially the same opacity and whiteness characteristics. In particular, it has been observed that, opacity and whiteness characteristics of a fabric treated according to the invention result to be substantially unaltered even after 15 home washings.

According to embodiments, the fabric may be included into a garment, e.g., tailored into a garment, before said step b). In this case, for example, the aqueous composition comprising titanium dioxide and a binder may be provided to the garment by impregnation (e.g., by dipping). Subsequently, the garment may be heat to dry and fix the composition onto the garment.

According to embodiments, the amount of the titanium dioxide in the aqueous composition is in the range from 0.5% to 40% by weight of the composition, preferably in the range from 5% to 30% by weight, more preferably in the range from 10% to 20% by weight.

According to embodiments, titanium dioxide has average particle size in the range from 0.25 μm to 4 μm, preferably from 0.4 μm to 3 μm, more preferably from 0.5 μm to 2 μm.

According to embodiments, the amount of the binder in the composition is in the range of from 0.5% to 10% by weight of said composition, preferably in the range from 2% to 8% by weight, more preferably in the range from 4% to 6% by weight.

According to embodiments, the amount of the binder in the aqueous composition is lower than the amount of the titanium dioxide in the aqueous composition. In this case, advantageously, a white treated fabric having a particularly pleasant appearance and touch can be obtained.

According to embodiments, the composition may further comprise at least one brightening agent. Advantageously, when the aqueous composition includes a brightening agent, a treated fabric having a particularly bright white color can be obtained.

According to embodiments, the brightening agent is preferably stilbene or a stilbene derivative, more preferably a triazine stilbene disulphonic acid, or a derivative thereof. As an example of brightening agent, the currently commercially available product “BLANKOPHOR® B SUN” (Tanatex Chemicals B.V.), is suitable to be used in the composition, according to the invention.

According to embodiments, the amount of the brightening agent in the composition is in the range of from 0.5% to 10% by weight, preferably from 1% to 8% by weight, more preferably from 2% to 5% by weight.

According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may further comprise at least one dispersing agent. As used herein, the term “dispersing agent” refers to an agent suitable to be included into a dispersion, e.g. an aqueous composition, in order to improve the separation of particles in the dispersion, and to prevent settling or clumping.

According to embodiments, the amount of the dispersing agent is in the range of from 0,01% to 2% by weight of the composition, preferably from 0.1% to 1% by weight, more preferably from 0,4% to 0,6% by weight. According to embodiments, the dispersing agent is selected from polyacrylates, and preferably is an acrylic copolymer. As example of dispersing agents, currently commercially available products “DEKOL® SN 100” (BASF) and “SANYON DQ”, are suitable to be used in the composition, according to the invention.

It has been observed that, when the aqueous composition includes a dispersing agent, the distribution of the titanium dioxide on the fabric is particularly homogeneous.

According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may further comprise at least one stabilizing agent. As used herein, the term “stabilizing agent” refers to an agent that substantially prevents the physical and/or chemical alteration of a composition comprising it. Stabilizing agents are known and may be also useful as foam suppressants and/or in the prevention of formation of polymeric films on padding rollers.

According to embodiments, the amount of the stabilizing agent is in the range of from 0,01% to 2% by weight of the composition, preferably from 0.1% to 1% by weight, more preferably from 0,2% to 0.5% by weight.

According to embodiments, the stabilizing agent is an alkoxylate compound or a mixture of alkoxylates. As examples of stabilizing agents, currently commercially available products “VITEXOL PFA” (BASF) and “HELIZARIN COMP. PFA”, are suitable to be used in the composition, according to the invention.

According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may further comprise at least one wetting agent. According to embodiments, the amount of the wetting agent is in the range of from 0,01% to 2% by weight of the composition, preferably from 0.1% to 1% by weight, more preferably from 0,2% to 0,4% by weight.

According to embodiments, the wetting agent is a nonionic wetting agent, preferably selected from the group consisting of sulphonate and phosphonate nonionic wetting agents. As an example of wetting agent, the currently commercially available product “COTTOCLARIN TR CT” (BRP Kimya), is suitable to be used in the composition, according to the invention. According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may further comprise at least one mineral filler different from titanium dioxide. According to embodiments, the amount of the mineral filler is in the range of from 0.1% to 20% by weight of the composition, preferably from 0.5% to 10% by weight, more preferably from 1% to 5% by weight. According to embodiments, the mineral filler may be selected from calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, kaolin, talc and mixtures thereof.

The process of the invention may be performed using any kind of fabrics.

According to embodiments, the fabric is a woven fabric, preferably a twill fabric, and more preferably a denim fabric.

According to embodiments, the fabric may include natural fibres, regenerated fibres, synthetic fibres and mixtures thereof.

According to embodiments, the fabric may include natural yarns and/or regenerated yarns and/or synthetic yarn and/or mixed yarns. In the present description, natural yarns are yarns that include natural fibers, which may be selected from cotton, wool, flax, kenaf, ramie, hemp, linen and mixtures thereof.

In the present description, regenerated yarns are yarns that include regenerated fibers, which may be selected from, for example, viscose, modal, tencel and mixtures thereof.

In the present description, synthetic yarns are yarns that include synthetic fibers, which may be selected from polyester, nylon, polyurethane, spandex (elastane), acrylic, modacrylic, acetate, polyolefin, vinyl and mixtures thereof. In the present description, mixed yarns are yarns that include at least two from natural (e.g., cotton), regenerated and synthetic fibers.

As above mentioned, according to embodiments, step c) of the process of the invention may comprise a step of heating the fabric, provided with the aqueous composition including titanium dioxide and at least one binder, at a first temperature to dry the fabric and then at a second temperature to cure the fabric, i.e. to cross-link the binder applied on the fabric.

According to embodiments, the first temperature ranges from 90° C. to 200° C., preferably from 100° C. to 160° C., more preferably from 110° C. to 150° C. According to embodiments, the second temperature ranges from 150° C. to 200° C., preferably from 160° C. to 180° C. As above mentioned, according to embodiments, said second temperature is higher than said first temperature. Advantageously, the process according to the invention is particularly fast and easy to be carried out. For example, according to embodiments, step b) of treating the fabric with the aqueous composition comprising titanium dioxide and a binder may have a duration in the range of from 0.1 s to 60 s, preferably 0.5 s to 30 s, more preferably from 1 s to 10 s.

For example, according to embodiments, the step of curing the dry fabric may have a duration in the range of from 15 s to 90 s, preferably from 30 s to 60 s.

Another object of the present invention is a fabric as obtainable through the process according to the invention, i.e. a fabric treated according to the process to increase its opacity.

As above mentioned, it has been observed that in a fabric obtainable according to the invention the titanium dioxide adheres to yarns and fibers of the fabric. It has been also observed that, in a fabric obtainable according to the invention, titanium dioxide also is located between the yarns of the fabric, e.g. at the cross-points between the weft and warp yarns of a woven fabric, thus providing for a reduction of transparency, i.e., an increase of the covering power, with respect to the untreated fabric.

For example, in a fabric obtainable according to the invention, titanium dioxide and the binder are also located in the spaces defined by two adjacent warp yarns and two adjacent weft yarns that float over or under said warp yarns.

According to embodiments, the fabric is a woven fabric comprising weft and warp yarns woven together, and wherein at least part of said titanium dioxide is located at the cross-points between said weft and warp yarns, i.e. the binder including the titanium dioxide is also retained in the points where a warp and a weft yarns cross, and in the spaces defined by two adjacent warp yarns and two adjacent weft yarns that float over or under said warp yarns. The presence of titanium dioxide in these locations greatly increases opacity (or covering power) without making use of low Ne yarns (i.e. high linear density yarns). According to embodiments, the fabric may be twill fabric, preferably a denim fabric.

It has been observed that the relative amount of titanium dioxide disposed between the yarns of the fabric, e.g., between warp yarns and weft yarns, varies according to the structure of the fabric and/or according to the stretching of the fabric during the process of the invention. For example, when the warp density increases, the relative amount of titanium dioxide and binder between the warp yarns reduces.

For example, when the fabric is stretched during the process of the invention, the relative amount of titanium dioxide and binder between the warp yarns of the fabric increases, with respect to the same fabric when it is less stretched or not stretched during the process.

With the wording “treated fabric”, “final fabric” it is made reference to a fabric as obtained by the invention process, namely to a fabric used in a garment. The following features and characteristics of the fabric are thus referring to such dry, final, treated fabric as can be found in a garment.

According to embodiments, in the treated fabric the titanium dioxide has average particle size ranging from 0.25 μm to 4 μm, preferably from 0.4 μm to 3 μm, more preferably from 0.5 μm to 2 μm.

According to embodiments, in the final, treated, fabric, the amount of titanium dioxide is in the range of from 3% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the treated fabric, preferably from 6% to 8% by weight of the total weight of the treated fabric, i.e., the treated, dry, fabric.

According to embodiments, the amount of the titanium dioxide in the aqueous composition may be selected in order to obtain a final treated fabric wherein the amount of titanium dioxide is in the range of from 3% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the fabric, preferably from 6% to 8% by weight of the total weight of the fabric.

According to embodiments, in the treated final fabric, e.g. the fabric included in a garment, the amount of the binder is in the range from 0.5% to 4% by weight of the total weight of the treated fabric, preferably from 2% to 3,5% by weight of the total weight of the treated fabric.

According to embodiments, the amount of the binder in the aqueous composition may be selected in order to obtain a treated fabric wherein the amount of the binder is in the range from 0.5% to 4% by weight of the total weight of the fabric, preferably from 2% to 3,5% by weight of the total weight of the fabric.

According to embodiments, the amount of the binder in the fabric is lower than the amount of the titanium dioxide in the fabric. In this case, as above discussed, a white treated fabric having a particularly pleasant appearance and touch can be advantageously obtained. For example, the treated fabric of the invention may comprise an amount of titanium dioxide in the range of from 5% to 10%, preferably from 6% to 8%, by weight of the total weight of the treated fabric, and an amount of binder in the range of from 1% to 5%, preferably from 2% to 4%, by weight of the total weight of the treated fabric. Advantageously, the treated final fabric of the invention is resistant to washing. In particular, even after several home washings, the opacity, as well as the whiteness, of the fabric is not substantially affected or reduced. Opacity and whiteness may be measured according to known methods, for example by using spectrophotometric techniques.

As used herein, the term “opacity” refers to covering power of the fabric (i.e., to the quality of a textile of being difficult to see through). For example, the higher is the opacity of a fabric, the more is difficult to see through it. In other words, the higher is the opacity of a fabric, i.e., the more a fabric is opaque, the better the fabric prevents what is under the fabric to be revealed through the fabric.

According to embodiments, the binder may have a glass transition temperature (Tg) in the range from −30° C. to 0° C., preferably from −25° C. to −5° C., more preferably from −20° C. to −8° C. In this case, advantageously, a particularly soft treated fabric may be obtained.

Glass transition temperature (Tg) can be measured according to ASTM E1356.

According to embodiments, the binder may have a Shore A hardness 30° Shore A, preferably in the range from 5° Shore A to 25° Shore A, more preferably in the range from 10° Shore A to 20° Shore A.

Shore A hardness can be measured according to ASTM D2240.

As above mentioned, when the binder have glass transition temperature (Tg) and/or Shore A hardness in the above mentioned ranges, it is possible to obtain a particularly soft opaque fabric.

According to embodiments, the fabric of the invention, in addition to titanium dioxide and at least one binder may optionally include one or more brightening agents and/or one or more dispersing agent and/or one or more stabilizing agent and/or one or more wetting agent.

According to embodiments, the final treated fabric may comprise a brightening agent in an amount in the range from 0.5% to 3%, preferably 1% to 2% by weight of the total weight of the treated fabric. According to embodiments, the amount of the brightening agent in the aqueous composition may be selected in order to obtain a fabric wherein the amount of the brightening agent is in the range from 0.5% to 3%, preferably 1% to 2% by weight of the total weight of the treated fabric.

According to embodiments, the fabric may comprise a dispersing agent in an amount in the range from 0.1% to 1%, preferably 0,2% to 0.5% by weight of the total weight of the treated fabric. According to embodiments, the amount of the dispersing agent in the aqueous composition may be selected in order to obtain a fabric wherein the amount of the dispersing agent is in the range from 0.1% to 1%, preferably 0,2% to 0.5% by weight of the total weight of the treated fabric.

According to embodiments, the invention fabric may comprise a stabilizing agent in an amount in the range from 0.1% to 0,5%, preferably from 0,2% to 0,4%, by weight of the total weight of the treated fabric. According to embodiments, the amount of the stabilizing agent in the aqueous composition may be selected in order to obtain a treated fabric wherein the amount of the stabilizing agent is in the range from 0.1% to 0,5%, preferably from 0,2% to 0,4%, by weight of the total weight of the treated fabric.

According to embodiments, the invention fabric may comprise a wetting agent in an amount in the range of from 0.05% to 0.5% by weight, preferably 0,1% to 0,4% by weight of the total weight of the fabric. According to embodiments, the amount of the wetting agent in the aqueous composition may be selected in order to obtain a treated fabric wherein the amount of the wetting agent is in the range of from 0.05% to 0.5% by weight, preferably 0,1% to 0,4% by weight of the total weight of the fabric.

The composition on the invention fabric can be analyzed according to known methods, in order to determine the amount of the components included in said dried and cured composition. For example, titanium dioxide can be extracted from the treated fabric, isolated and separated according to known methods, and characterized according to ASTM D1394—Test for Chemical Analysis of White Titanium Pigments.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the fabric of the invention is suitable to be tailored into a garment. A further object of the invention is a garment comprising a fabric according to the invention. Advantageously, the skin of the user is not (partly) visible through the fabric treated according to the invention. Similarly, any underwear of the user worn under a garment according to the invention in not visible through the said garment.

A further object of the present invention is an aqueous composition for treatment of textiles, namely of a fabric, preferably of a woven fabric, comprising:

-   -   titanium dioxide in an amount in the range from 5 to 500 g/L,         preferably in the range from 50 to 400 g/L, more preferably in         the range from 75 to 300 g/L, even more preferably in the range         of from 90 to 200 g/L; and     -   at least one binder, preferably a cross-linkable binder, in an         amount in the range from 1 to 100 g/L, preferably in the range         from 10 to 80 g/L, more preferably in the range from 30 to 70         g/L, even more preferably in the range from 35 to 60 g/L.

According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may comprise:

-   -   titanium dioxide in an amount in the range from 0.5% to 40% by         weight of said composition, preferably in the range from 5% to         30% by weight, more preferably in the range from 10% to 20% by         weight; and     -   at least one binder, preferably crosslinkable binder, in an         amount in the range from 0.5% to 10% by weight of said         composition, preferably in the range from 2% to 8% by weight,         more preferably in the range from 4% to 6% by weight.

The aqueous composition that is object of the invention is suitable to be used in the process of the invention. Therefore, the features of the aqueous composition disclosed above with reference to the composition in the process of the invention, are intended to apply to the composition per se, and vice versa, i.e., the feature herein disclosed with reference to the aqueous composition per se are intended to apply to the composition in the process of the invention.

Advantageously, the aqueous composition may be produced through known methods. For example, it may be produced by mixing the different components. According to embodiments, the components may be provided and admixed together to obtain the aqueous composition. According to embodiments, two or more components may be provided sequentially during the mixing.

According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may have a pH in the range of from 4 to 6, preferably from 4.5 to 5. According to embodiments, the aqueous composition further comprises at least one brightening agent in an amount in the range from 0.5% to 10% by weight of said composition, preferably from 1% to 8% by weight, more preferably from 2% to 5% by weight.

According to embodiments, the aqueous composition comprises:

-   -   from 5 to 500 g/L of titanium dioxide,     -   from 1 to 100 g/L of at least one binder.

According to embodiments, the concentration of titanium dioxide in the aqueous composition may be in the range of from 50 to 400 g/L, preferably from 75 to 300 g/L, more preferably from 90 to 200 g/L.

According to embodiments, the concentration of the binder in the aqueous composition may be in the range of from 10 to 80 g/L, preferably 30 to 70 g/L, preferably from 35 to 60 g/L.

According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may further comprise one or more brightening agents. According to embodiments, the concentration of the brightening agent in the aqueous composition may be in the range of from 5 to 40 g/L, preferably from 10 to 35 g/L, more preferably from 15 to 30 g/L.

According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may further comprise one or more dispersing agent. According to embodiments, the concentration of the dispersing agent in the aqueous composition may be in the range of from 1 to 20 g/L, preferably from 2.5 to 10 g/L, more preferably from 4 to 6 g/L.

According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may further comprise one or more stabilizing agent. According to embodiments, the concentration of the stabilizing agent in the aqueous composition is in the range of from 1 to 10 g/L, preferably from 2 to 6 g/L, more preferably from 3 to 5 g/L.

According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may further comprise one or more wetting agents. According to embodiments, the concentration of the wetting agent in the aqueous composition is in the range of from 0.5 g/L to 10 g/L, preferably from 1 to 5 g/L, more preferably from 2 to 4 g/L.

According to embodiments, the aqueous composition may further comprise one or more mineral filler different from titanium dioxide. According to embodiments, the concentration of the mineral filler different from titanium dioxide in the aqueous composition is in the range of from 10 to 100 g/L, preferably from 10 to 50 g/L, of at least one mineral filler. According to embodiments, the mineral filler is selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, kaolin, talc and mixtures thereof. Also object of the present invention is the use of a composition according to the invention in the process according to invention.

Advantageously, the present invention allows to obtain a white fabric having high opacity in easier, faster and cheaper way, with respect to the processes that are known in the art.

EXPERIMENTAL SECTION Example 1—Compositions

Example 1 refers to different embodiments of the aqueous composition of the invention.

In all the exemplary composition, the final volume of the aqueous composition is 1 L.

Composition 1:

Titanium dioxide 100 g/L  ORGAL ® ES 61 40 g/L Water up to a final volume of 1 L

Composition 2:

Titanium dioxide 100 g/L ORGAL ® ES 61 40 g/L SANYON DQ 5 g/L HELIZARIN COMP. PFA 4 g/L BLANKOPHOR ® B SUN 20 g/L COTTOCLARIN TR CT 3 g/L Water up to a final volume of 1 L

Composition 3:

Titanium dioxide 100 g/L ORGAL ® ES 61 40 g/L SANYON DQ 5 g/L HELIZARIN COMP. PFA 4 g/L COTTOCLARIN TR CT 3 g/L Water up to a final volume of 1 L

In the above mentioned compositions 1-3, ORGAL® ES 61 (styrene acrylic copolymer, having a Tg of −12° C.) was the binder, SANYON DQ was the dispersing agent, HELIZARIN COMP. PFA was the stabilizing agent, BLANKOPHOR® B SUN was the brightening agent and COTTOCLARIN TR CT was the wetting agent.

Composition 4:

Titanium Dioxide: 100 g/l HELIZARIN BINDER TOW: 46 g/l SANYON DQ: 5 g/l HELIZARIN COMP. PFA: 4 g/l COTTOCLARIN TR CT: 3 g/l Water: up to a final volume of 1 L

Composition 5:

Titanium Dioxide: 100 g/l HELIZARIN BINDER TOW: 46 g/l SANYON DQ: 5 g/l HELIZARIN COMP. PFA: 4 g/l BLANKOPHOR ® B SUN: 20 g/l COTTOCLARIN TR CT: 3 g/l Water: up to a final volume of 1 L

In the above mentioned compositions 4-5, HELIZARIN BINDER TOW (acrylic copolymer, having a Tg of −18° C.) was the binder, SANYON DQ was the dispersing agent, HELIZARIN COMP. PFA was the stabilizing agent, BLANKOPHOR® B SUN was the brightening agent and COTTOCLARIN TR CT was the wetting agent.

Composition 6:

Titanium Dioxide: 100 g/l EDOLAN SN: 30 g/l EDOLAN XCIB: 5 g/l SANYON DQ: 5 g/l HELIZARIN COMP. PFA: 4 g/l COTTOCLARIN TR CT: 3 g/l Water: up to a final volume of 1 L

Composition 7:

Titanium Dioxide: 100 g/l EDOLAN SN: 30 G/L EDOLAN XCIB: 5 G/L SANYON DQ: 5 G/L HELIZARIN COMP. PFA: 4 G/L BLANKOPHOR ® B-SUN: 20 G/L COTTOCLARIN TR CT: 3 g/l Water: up to a final volume of 1 L

In the above mentioned compositions 6-7, EDOLAN SN (aliphatic polyether based polyurethane) was the binder, EDOLAN XCIB was the crosslinking agent, SANYON DQ was the dispersing agent, HELIZARIN COMP. PFA was the stabilizing agent, BLANKOPHOR® B SUN was the brightening agent and COTTOCLARIN TR CT was the wetting agent. The Shore A hardness of the binder EDOLAN SN crosslinked with the crosslinking agent EDOLAN XCIB is 20° Shore A.

All the compositions 1-7 above mentioned may be produced by mixing the components and stirring to obtain a homogeneous mixture (for example, stirring for about 30 minutes).

Example 2—Production of Treated Fabrics

Treated Fabric 1

A cotton woven fabric was treated with the “Composition 1” according to Example 1.

The aqueous composition was applied by padding.

The fabric was dried 150° C. and cured at 180° C. for 45 seconds.

The treated fabric obtained was provided with:

Titanium dioxide about 7% by weight Binder about 2.8% by weight

The amounts are expressed as percentage by weight of the total weight of the treated fabric.

Treated Fabric 2

A cotton woven fabric was treated with the “Composition 3” according to Example 1.

The aqueous composition was applied by padding.

The fabric was dried 150° C. and cured at 180° C. for 45 seconds.

The treated fabric obtained was provided with:

Titanium dioxide about 7% by weight Binder about 2.8% by weight Dispersing agent about 0.35% by weight Stabilizing agent about 0.28% by weight Wetting agent about 0.2% by weight

The amounts are expressed as percentage by weight of the total weight of the treated fabric.

Treated Fabric 3

A cotton woven fabric was treated with the “Composition 4” according to Example 1.

The aqueous composition was applied by padding.

The fabric was dried 150° C. and cured at 180° C. for 45 seconds.

The treated fabric obtained was provided with:

Titanium dioxide about 7% by weight Binder about 3.22% by weight Dispersing agent about 0.35% by weight Stabilizing agent about 0.28% by weight Wetting agent about 0.2% by weight

The amounts are expressed as percentage by weight of the total weight of the treated fabric.

Treated Fabric 4

A cotton woven fabric was treated with the “Composition 6” according to Example 1.

The aqueous composition was applied by padding.

The fabric was dried 150° C. and cured at 180° C. for 45 seconds.

The treated fabric obtained was provided with:

Titanium dioxide about 7% by weight Binder about 2.1% by weight Crosslinking agent about 0.35% by weight Dispersing agent about 0.35% by weight Stabilizing agent about 0.28% by weight Wetting agent about 0.2% by weight

The amounts are expressed as percentage by weight of the total weight of the treated fabric.

Example 3—Evaluation of Opacity and CMC DE (Color Difference) of Exemplary Treated Fabrics

Opacity and CMC DE (color difference) of three samples of a fabric before and after the process of the invention were measured.

In particular, the fabric was treated to obtain the “Treated fabric 1”, the “Treated fabric 3” and the “Treated fabric 4” according to Example 2.

Opacity and CMC DE (color difference) were measured spectrophotometrically, according to methods which are known per se, using white and black background cards, by Datacolor 600 spectrophotometer.

Opacity of fabrics was measured, on paper backing, as the ratio expressed as a percentage, of the single-sheet luminous reflectance factor, R₀, to the intrinsic luminous reflectance factor, R∞, of the same sample, according to the formula:

Opacity=100×R ₀ /R∞

The single-sheet luminous reflectance factor, “R₀” is defined as the luminous reflectance factor of a single sheet of fabric with a black cavity as backing. The intrinsic luminous reflectance factor, “R∞” is defined as the luminous reflectance factor of a layer or pad of fabric which have a thickness such that a further increase in the thickness of the layer or pad results in no change in the measured reflectance factor. In this case, the single sheet of fabric is a single fabric when it is not folded, so that the thickness of the layer or pad above mention corresponds to the thickness of a single fabric. The thickness of the layer or pad may be increased, for example, by folding the fabric so that two or more portion of the same fabric are the superimposed in order to increase the thickness of the layer or pad to be analyzed, up to a thickness which provides for a reflectance factor value which does not changes if the thickness of the layer or pad is further increased.

“CMC DE” is the difference between a sample color and a reference color. CMC DE was measured using white and black background cards, by Datacolor 600 spectrophotometer. Firstly, a fabric was placed over white background and reflectance was measured as reference, using Datacolor 600 spectrophotometer. Then, the same fabric was placed over black background and reflectance was measured as sample, using Datacolor 600. CMC DE (i.e., color difference) between the fabric over white background and the fabric over black background is determined spectrophotometrically according to known methods. The smaller the CMC DE value is, the more the fabric is opaque. In other words, the more a fabric is opaque, the smaller the color difference between over white and over black is.

The following results were obtained:

Untreated Fabric

CMC DE: 3.17

Opacity: 87%

Treated Fabric 1 According to Example 2

CMC DE: 1.84

Opacity: 95%

Treated Fabric 3 According to Example 2

CMC DE: 1.90

Opacity: 95,8%

Treated Fabric 4 According to Example 2

CMC DE: 1.91

Opacity: 95,32%

As can be observed, in the case of “Treated fabric 1”, the process of the invention allowed an increase in the opacity of the fabric of about 8% with respect to the untreated fabric. Also, the process of the invention allowed a reduction of the CMC DE (i.e., the color difference) of about 42% with respect to the untreated fabric.

In the case of “Treated fabric 3”, the process of the invention allowed an increase in the opacity of the fabric of about 8,8% with respect to the untreated fabric. Also, the process of the invention allowed a reduction of the CMC DE (i.e., the color difference) of about 40% with respect to the untreated fabric.

In the case of “Treated fabric 4”, the process of the invention allowed an increase in the opacity of the fabric of about 8,3% with respect to the untreated fabric. Also, the process of the invention allowed a reduction of the CMC DE (i.e., the color difference) of about 39,7% with respect to the untreated fabric.

The results obtainable through the process of the invention can also be observed in the attached Figures, which show a sample fabric before and after the process of the invention, at different magnifications.

In particular, FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are photographs showing a sample fabric before (FIG. 1A) and after (FIG. 1B) the process of the invention. FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are photographs taken at magnification of 10X and FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are photographs taken at magnification of 60X. As can be observed, for example from FIGS. 1A and 1B, and FIGS. 2A and 2B, the treated fabric of the invention has an improved opacity and whiteness with respect to the untreated fabric.

In FIG. 3B particles of titanium dioxide between the fibers and yarns of the treated fabric can be observed. Such particles cannot be observed in FIG. 3A, which shows an untreated fabric. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show that the present invention is, advantageously, effective in providing titanium dioxide to fabrics. 

1. A process for producing a fabric, comprising the step of: a) providing at least a fabric, b) treating at least part of said fabric with an aqueous composition comprising titanium dioxide and at least a binder, and c) heating the fabric obtained in step b).
 2. The process according to claim 1, wherein said step c) comprises heating said fabric at a first temperature to dry said fabric and then heating said fabric at a second temperature to cross-link said binder on said fabric, said second temperature preferably being higher than said first temperature.
 3. The process according to claim 1, wherein said fabric provided in said step a) is stretched in at least one direction, so that the fabric is in a stretched condition during the treatment with the aqueous composition according to step b) of the process of the invention
 4. The process according to claim 3, wherein said fabric provided in said step a) is stretched between 0.5% and 75% with respect to the initial dimension of the fabric, at least in weft direction.
 5. The process according to claim 1, wherein in said step b), said aqueous composition is provided to said fabric by padding.
 6. The process according to claim 1, wherein said binder is selected from the group consisting of acrylic polymers, acrylic copolymers, resins, polyurethanes, blocked isocyanates, poly-isocyanates, and mixtures thereof.
 7. The process according to claim 1, wherein said binder has a glass transition temperature (Tg) in the range from −30° C. to 0° C.
 8. The process according to claim 1, wherein said binder has a Shore A hardness that is ≤30° Shore A.
 9. The process according to claim 1, wherein said fabric is included into a garment before said step b).
 10. The process according to claim 1, wherein said titanium dioxide in said composition is in the range from 5 to 500 g/L.
 11. The process according to claim 1, wherein said titanium dioxide has average particle size in the range from 0.25 μm to 4 μm.
 12. The process according to claim 1, wherein said binder in said composition is in the range of from 1 to 100 g/L.
 13. The process according to claim 1, wherein said composition further comprises at least one brightening agent.
 14. The process according to claim 13, wherein the amount of said brightening agent in said composition is in the range of from 5 to 40 g/L.
 15. The process according to claim 2, wherein said first temperature is in the range of 90° C. to 200° C.
 16. The process according to claim 2, wherein said second temperature is in the range of 150° C. to 200° C.
 17. A fabric as obtainable through a process according to claim
 1. 18. A fabric according to claim 17, wherein said fabric is a woven fabric comprising weft and warp yarns woven together, and wherein at least part of said titanium dioxide and of said binder is located in the spaces defined by two adjacent warp yarns and two adjacent weft yarns that float over or under said warp yarns.
 19. A fabric according to claim 18, wherein said fabric is twill fabric.
 20. A fabric according to claim 17, wherein the said titanium dioxide has average particle size in the range of 0.25 μm to 4 μm.
 21. A fabric according to claim 17, wherein the amount of said titanium dioxide is in the range from 3% to 10% by weight of the fabric.
 22. A fabric according to claim 17, wherein the amount of said binder is in the range from 0.5% to 4% by weight of the fabric.
 23. A garment comprising a fabric according to claim
 17. 24. An aqueous composition for treating a textile, comprising: titanium dioxide in an amount in the range from 5 to 500 g/L; and at least one binder in an amount in the range from 1 to 100 g/L.
 25. An aqueous composition according to claim 24, further comprising at least one brightening agent in an amount in the range from 5 to 40 g/L.
 26. (canceled)
 27. The process according to claim 13, wherein brightening agent is stilbene.
 28. The process according to 13, wherein said brightening agent is triazine stilbene disulphonic acid.
 29. A fabric according to claim 22, wherein the amount of said binder is in the range from 2% to 3% by weight of the total weight of said fabric. 